Use this simple experiment to introduce your toddler to two of the basic states of matter – liquid and solid.

Using an eye dropper, let your child fill the compartments of an ice cube tray with just a thin layer of water per compartment. You could also simply pour in a small amount of water, but the eye dropper is great practice for fine motor skills!

Wait 10 to 20 minutes for the water to freeze, then ask your child if they’re ready to see the exciting results… Has your liquid turned into a solid?

Travis loved playing with the ice that we made, dumping it from the ice cube tray and putting it back in again, and watching with delight as rivulets of water melted off and got us wet. As we played, I talked about how water + cold = ice, and how ice + hot = water. He loved this simple equation, and repeated it to himself when he took his bath later in the evening.

For added fun, you might try adding food coloring to the ice. If you try this version, please let me know how it goes in the comments! If you’re interested in ice play for slightly younger toddlers, check out my previous post on why Ice is Nice.